Take on the high rope challenge at Go Ape, Itchen Valley Country Park near Southampton

Go Ape

Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 173

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Isle of Wight Walking Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Islandwide

    Walk this way! The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, sponsored by Outdooractive, will return in Spring and Autumn 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    9 May 2026to17 May 2026
    From:
    3 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  2. Steam to the Solent and see four cruise ships depart

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing the cruise ships Iona, MSC Virtuosa, Sky Princess, Ventura in berth, and on your return see a number of the ships depart - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026Open 15:30 - 19:00
  3. Beer & Steam at Isle of Wight Steam Railway

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    HAVENSTREET

    Head to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway's Autumn beer festival for a celebration of beer and steam.

    Choose from a huge selection of real ales, there are even a few ciders for those with a sweeter tooth.

    You’ll have the opportunity to try…

    Dates

    From:
    10 Oct 2026to11 Oct 2026
  4. Ventnor Fringe

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ventnor

    Ventnor Fringe is a unique celebration of the arts, showcasing emerging and established talent across every creative discipline.

    Dates

    From:
    17 July 2026to26 July 2026
  5. The Southampton Rum Festival at The Hobbit Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Southampton

    The Southampton Rum Festival is back at The Hobbit Pub for 2026

    Saturday 25th July 2026

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026
  6. Christmas Carols and Owls

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 December

    Food available from 4:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special evening to get you in the Christmas spirit! Sing along with Christmas carols, both…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Dec 2026to21 Dec 2026Open 16:30 -
  7. Yarmouth Carnival Week

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Yarmouth

    Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!

    Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to22 Aug 2026
  8. Simply French

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.

    Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  9. Boomtown Festival 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Ovington, Alresford

    A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026to16 Aug 2026
  10. Owl-O-Ween

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Thursday October 29 & Friday 30

    Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm

    Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. You can enjoy some ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as…

    Dates

    From:
    29 Oct 2026to30 Oct 2026Open 17:30 -
  11. One way trip from Poole to Southampton

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    One way trip to Southampton, departing Poole Quay, passengers make their own way back to Poole. (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). See the sights of Poole Harbour, passing Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, Old Harry Rocks, Hengistbury…

    Dates

    From:
    17 Aug 2026Open 11:30 - 19:00
  12. Spooky Owl Week

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Running over the October half term, Saturday October 24 – Sunday November 1

    10:00am-5:30pm

    Over the October half term enjoy an autumnal day out in the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by the beauty of nature as the seasons change, and the Hawk…

    Dates

    From:
    24 Oct 2026to1 Nov 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  13. Pizza and Milkshake Workshop

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Whiteley, Fareham

    Pizza and Milkshake Workshop
    Saturday 21st February 11am to 12.30pm
    Saturday 28th March 11am to 12:30pm
    Saturday 4th April 11am to 12.30pm
    Saturday 30th May 11am to 12:30pm
    Come down to Parson's Collar and create your own pizza, add toppings of…

    Dates

    From:
    4 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
    From:
    30 May 2026Open 11:00 - 12:30
  14. Isle of Wight Randonnee

    Type

    Type:

    Cycling

    Islandwide

    The Isle of Wight Randonnee is a non-competitive cycle ride established by the Wayfarers in 1985.

    Dates

    From:
    6 Sept 2026Open 09:00 - 18:00
  15. Art Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday August 22 – Sunday 23

    10am-5:30pm

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a celebration of wildlife art! They'll be hosting artists exhibiting their work at the Hawk Conservancy Trust for this art-tastic weekend. Special guests include their…

    Dates

    From:
    22 Aug 2026to23 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30
  16. Painting party with The Paint Club at Chilworth Manor

    Type

    Type:

    Arts

    Southampton

    About the Event
    Everything You Need to Paint a Masterpiece

    Join The Paint Club for a relaxed and creative evening of painting! One of our friendly artists will guide you step-by-step from a blank canvas to your very own work of art.

    Each artist…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Apr 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    20 May 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    17 June 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    15 July 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
    From:
    19 Aug 2026Open 19:00 - 21:00
  17. Cowes Fringe

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Cowes

    Cowes Fringe is a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, and comedy that lights up the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight annually in May. The festival fills local venues with an electrifying mix of performances, showcasing both local and national…

    Dates

    From:
    22 May 2026to24 May 2026Open 17:00 - 23:00
  18. Sandown Illuminated Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Sandown

    Sandown Illuminated Carnival on the Isle of Wight Join in the fun and spectacle of Sandown's Illuminated Carnival!

    Carnival route To view the carnival route map, please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    26 Aug 2026
  19. Easter Sunday Roast

    Type

    Type:

    Food

    Basingstoke

    Sit back, relax & let our family take care of yours this Easter. Indulge in the delights of our sumptuous Sunday Roast Lunch & Dinner whilst sipping on your favourite tipple.

    Our Easter Sunday Roast Menu includes a selection of locally sourced meat…

    Dates

    From:
    5 Apr 2026Open 12:00 - 21:00
  20. Big Wild Weekend

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 August

    10am-5:30pm

    Calling all minibeast detectives, plant enthusiasts and nature lovers of all ages – the Hawk Conservancy Trust are going wild!
    Head to the Hawk Conservancy Trust's Big Wild Weekend – a festival of British…

    Dates

    From:
    8 Aug 2026to9 Aug 2026Open 10:00 - 17:30